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ACTIVITIES & TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
A R OUN D VA L R IV E
Official Tourism Office
The official Britanny tourism office ‘Tourisme Bretagne’
in Dinan is located at:
9 Rue du Château, BP 65261, 22100 Dinan
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 87 69 76
www.brittanytourism.com
www.dinan-tourisme.com
Boat Trips & Hiring a Boat
on the Rance
Jaman IV
One hour boat trip that discovers the delights of the Rance
river. Departs from Dinan harbour and passes through the
lock at Léhon, the Castle ruins, the beautiful Abbey of Saint
Magloire, and under three bridges.
Vedette Jaman IV, 6 Rue du Quai, Port de Dinan, 22100 Dinan
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 39 28 41
www.vedettejamaniv.com
Le Maltess
Dine aboard ‘The Maltess’ as the boat-restaurant cruises
along the calmer waters of the Rance river. Departs from
Saint Samson sur Rance.
La Ville Haussan, 22100 Taden
Reservations: +33 (0)2 96 39 28 41
[email protected]
www.lemaltess.com
Danfleurenn Nautic
Rent a boat from Port de Dinan (no licence required) every
day during the main season. Can be booked by the hour,
half day or full day.
Jaman IV on the Rance
Tel: +33 (0)6 07 45 89 97
www.danfleurenn-nautic.com
Club Canoe Kayak de la Rance
Canoeing and Kayaking from Port de Dinan. Ask for further
details at the Tourist Office.
13 Rue du Four, 22100 Lanvallay
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 39 01 50
www.dinanrancekayak.fr
Boat Trips around the Coast
Compagnie Corsaire
Offers various boat trips from Dinard and St. Malo to
destinations around the Brittany coastline (including: Cap
Frehel, Fort La Latte, Saint Cast Le Guildo, Chausey Islands,
Cezembre Island and Cancale Bay) for beaches and more.
Compaigne Corsaire boat trip
THINGS TO DO AROUND
Compagnie Corsaire, Esplanade de la Bourse, 35400 Saint-Malo
[email protected]
www.compagniecorsaire.com
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Castles & Historic Buildings
Château-Musée de Dinan
Dinan Castle Museum is a former keep now housing the local
museum, and offers stunning views over Dinan from the museum
terrace. The keep and gate form part of the ramparts (nearly 3km
long) which surround the old town.
Rue du Château, 22100 Dinan
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 87 58 72
Château de la Hunaudaye
A medieval moated castle set in the beautiful countryside of
Plédéliac. From April 1st – June 30th the castle is open 2.30 – 6pm
and from July 1st – September 15th open 10.30am – 6.30pm.
Château-Musée de Dinan
Association Château de la Hunaudaye, 22270 Plédéliac
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 34 82 10
[email protected]
www.la-hunaudaye.com
Château de Combourg
The castle was built in around 1025 and stands on a small hill next
to Lac Tranquille in Combourg. It’s open from mid-February to
November, but check for opening hours.
Château de Combourg, 23 Rue des Princes, 35270 Combourg
www.combourg.net
Fort La Latte
Château de la Hunaudaye
Château de Combourg
An old feudal castle, built in the fourteenth century, perched
above the sea on a rocky headland. It’s been featured in a number
of films, most notably ‘The Vikings’. Open to visitors all year.
Fort La Latte, Plévenon, 22240 Fréhel
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 41 57 11
www.castlelalatte.com
Mont Saint-Michel
St. Michael’s Mount is just 40 minutes away by car, and one of
France’s most popular tourist attractions. The world-famous island
abbey may stand in Normandy, but much of the phenomenal
UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Baie du Mont St-Michel’ forms
part of Brittany. Visiting this historic sight is highly recommended
and further details are available at the Tourist Office. It’s important
that you check the times of the tides when visiting and observe
any safety notices.
50170 Le Mont Saint-Michel
Tel: +33 (0)2 33 60 14 30
www.ot-montsaintmichel.com
Other historic buildings worth visiting locally here in Léhon are the
ruins of ‘Léhon Castle’ (a former Norman castle overlooking the
village and Rance) and the ‘Abbaye Saint-Magloire’ (originally
built in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 14th centuries).
Fort La Latte
In Dinan there is also ‘La Tour de L’Horloge’ (the 40m high clock
tower built in 1505) and ‘Basilica Saint-Sauveur’ (a magnificent
church from the 12th century that successfully blends different
architectural styles). Slightly further away there’s ‘Saint-Malo
Cathedral’ (dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, and a
national monument of France).
Further details: www.travelfranceonline.com/?s=Lehon
Mont Saint-Michel
THINGS TO DO AROUND
Léhon Castle
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Fête des Remparts
La Fête du Blé
Festivals
Gardens of Interest
Fête des Remparts
Parc du Chateau de Caradeuc
Every other year in July the people of Dinan take part in the
Fête des Remparts. With jousting, medieval markets, open-air
dances, a great parade and many other shows and events,
this festival takes visitors back to medieval times. In 2016 it
will be held July 23-24. Further details at the Tourist Office.
A baroque style garden, remodeled by Edouard André in 1898,
featuring pools, statues, topiary and some fabulous views.
Open in July and August daily from 12 – 6pm
www.fete-remparts-dinan.com
Parc du Chateau de Caradeuc, 35190 Bécherel
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 66 81 10
www.caradeuc.com
La Fête du Blé
Gardens of La Ballue
‘The Festival of Wheat’ is an annual farmers’ festival held
in August at Pleudihen sur Rance. It features farming
demonstrations with horses and steam engines, traditional
music and dance, a costumed parade, food stalls, cidermaking and various craft activities. Ask for further details
at the Tourist Office.
A series of theatrical gardens in the mannerist and baroque
styles of the 16th and 17th centuries. These include a fernery,
a water trap, a scented chamber, an open-air theatre, a maze,
Diana’s temple and many other delights. It is regarded as one
of the most beautiful parks in France. Open March through
November, 10am – 6.30pm
www.fete-du-ble.com
Château de La Ballue, 35560 Bazouges La Pérouse
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 97 47 86
www.laballuegarden.com
Festival du Film Britannique de Dinard
Each autumn the British Film Festival takes place in Dinard.
The town also has free public film screenings in the run up
to the festival. Ask for further details at the Tourist Office.
www.festivaldufilm-dinard.com
Botanical Park of Haute Bretagne
A private estate with a floral park made up of three parts – the
Arcadia Gardens, the Romantic Gardens and the Twilight
Gardens. It’s open to the public from March through November.
Chateau la Foltiere, 35133 Le Chatellier
Tel: +33 (0)6 10 61 76 46
www.jardinbretagne.com
Parc du Chateau de Caradeuc
Manoli Museum and Garden of Sculptures
A short walk from the Rance is a little haven, where between
shade and light sculpture and nature blend. Open every day
from 11am – 7pm in July and August, and from 2pm – 7pm
(closed on Tuesdays) in April, May, June and September.
9 Rue du Suet, 35780 La Richardais
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 88 55 53
www.manoli.org
Botanical Park
of Haute Bretagne
Manoli Museum
THINGS TO DO AROUND
Gardens of La Ballue
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Cycling in Dinan
The ‘voies vertes’
Adventure Sports in Brittany
Other Activities
Book Shops
Adventure Sports
Horizon Sport Nature organise a number of activities, including:
rock climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking and archery.
Horizon Sport Nature, 1 Grande rue des Stuarts,
35120 Dol-de-Bretagne
Tel: +33 (0)6 83 16 94 02
www.horizonsportnature.net
Also see: www.becherel.com
and www.becherel-autour-du-livre.com
Open every day from February to November, The Saint-Jacut
Water Sports Centre encourage you to try catamaran sailing,
windsurfing, kayaking and sand yachting.
Club Nautique de Saint Jacut,
ZA Les Basses Terres,
22750 Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 27 79 13
www.cn-saintjacut.com
Erquy Water Sports Centre invites you to go sailing, sand
yachting, sea kayaking, windsurfing and paddle-boarding in
Saint-Brieuc Bay, whatever the conditions.
Centre Nautique d’Erquy, Maison de la Mer, Le Port, 22430 Erquy
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 72 32 62
www.centrenautique-erquy.fr
Also see: http://goforit.brittanytourism.com
Aquarium
Discover sharks and other inhabitants of the sea at the
modern St. Malo Aquarium. You can also take a journey in
the submersible Nautibus!
Avenue du Général Patton, 35400 Saint-Malo Cedex
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 21 19 07
www.aquarium-st-malo.com
THINGS TO DO AROUND
Bécherel is known as the ‘Village of the Books’ (Cité du Livre)
with its numerous antique bookstores, many of which have
teashops inside. It also holds various Poet and Literary events.
Cycling
Dinan offers plenty for cyclists no matter what your pace or
ability. The ‘voies vertes’ (green ways) network makes cycling
along the old railway tracks and towpaths of the Rance valley
a real pleasure, with Dinard and St. Malo both within relatively
easy reach. Bicycles can be hired in Dinan.
Dinan Cycles, 16 Rue de Brest, 22100 Dinan
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 87 34 68
Bords de Rance, 18 Quai du Tallard, 22100 Lanvallay, Dinan
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 97 98 99
Also see: www.voiesvertes.com/htm/departement22.htm
Fishing
Both the Rance and nearby coast provide ample opportunities
for fishing. You’ll need a fishing permit and must observe the
strict fishing conditions. Ask at the Tourist Office for details.
Dinan Pêche, Rue du Cabaret des Oiseaux, 22100 Quévert
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 87 99 70 / +33 (0)6 79 21 36 20
Also see: www.brittany.angloinfo.com/information/lifestyle/
sports-and-leisure/fishing/
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Golf
Tennis
Northern France has always catered well for golfers, and
Brittany is no exception. There are reputable courses nearby at:
Approximately 10 minutes walk (past the bakers on the main
street) up to Dinan is the Tennis Club de Léhon. The club has
four indoor courts and one outdoor, and costs approximately
€14/hour for court hire.
Saint-Malo Golf, Domaine de Saint-Yvieux, 35540 Le Tronchet
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 58 96 69
www.saintmalogolf.com
Golf de Saint-Cast Pen-Guen, 22380 Saint-Cast-le-Guildo
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 41 91 20
www.golf-st-cast.com
Golf des Sables d’Or,
Avenue du Golf,
22240 Fréhel
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 41 42 57
www.frehel-golfsablesdor.fr
Tennis Club du Bas Bourgneuf, 22100 Léhon
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 39 95 31
www.tennis-lehon.com
Theme Park
Cobac Parc is a small theme park set in 12 hectares of woodland
near St. Malo. Now featuring a newly opened Aqua Fun Park
complete with various water slides and the ‘Super Crater’, the park
also features a rollercoaster and pirate ship ride.
Also see: http://golf.brittanytourism.com
Markets
There are many markets throughout the week in the region.
Dinan has a general market on Thursday mornings at Place
du-Guesclin. In the winter months there are Autumn and
Christmas markets. The fresh produce from this largely rural
and seafaring region is of fantastic quality, and the Breton
cider is also good value.
A trip to Cancale (east of St. Malo) is recommended for its
seafood, and nationally renowned oysters – indeed history
has it that King Louis XIV had his oysters brought to Versailles
from Cancale!
For market days see: www.brittany.angloinfo.com/information/
lifestyle/shopping/markets/
Swimming
‘Piscine Les Pommiers’ is a 25m public swimming pool with
waterslides, about 5 minutes walk away in Léhon. Men will
need speedo trunks, and not swimming shorts, but there is a
dispensing machine for these.
Rue du Bourg, 22100 Léhon
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 39 21 00
Cobac Parc, 35720 Lanhélin
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 73 80 16
www.cobac-parc.com
Walks
The whole region has numerous options for walking, but if you’re
after a particular route, we can recommend the trip around Taden
(found on the inside back cover) that’s suitable for all the family.
Organised walks of medium difficulty (2.5 – 3 hours long) can also
be arranged from Port de Dinan/Lanvallay.
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 39 20 09 / +33 (0)2 96 85 09 34
Zoo
La Bourbansais is a highly rated zoological park set in the
grounds of a chateau with beautiful gardens. The zoo has an
emphasis on conservation and features lions, tigers, leopards,
giraffes, monkeys and many more.
Château de la Bourbansais, 35720 Pleugueneuc
Tel: +33 (0)2 99 69 40 07
www.labourbansais.com
Cobac Parc
Golf de Saint-Cast Pen-Guen
Place du-Guesclin
La Bourbansais
Zoological Park
Market in Dinan
THINGS TO DO AROUND
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Further Afield
Bayeux
Bayeux is a major tourist attraction, best known to visitors for the
Bayeux Tapestry – an embroidery, 70 metres long, made in the
11th century and listed as a ‘Memory of the World’ by UNESCO.
The tapestry depicts the Norman conquest of England by William,
Duke of Normandy.
The town also has the Bayeux War Cemetery (and Bayeux
Memorial) which is the largest Commonwealth cemetery dating
from World War II in France. Most of those buried there were killed
in the invasion of Normandy. Every year on 6th June (D-Day) the
Royal British Legion National holds a service of remembrance at
the Bayeux Cathedral and later at the Bayeux Cemetery. Bayeux
can be reached in under two hours by car.
Bayeux Tapestry
Place de la République
in Rennes
Le Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux,
Centre Guillaume Le Conquérant, Rue de Nesmond, 14400 Bayeux
Tel: +33(0)2 31 51 25 50
www.tapestry-bayeux.com
Rennes
Rennes is the capital of Brittany and the administrative capital
of the French department Ille-et-Vilaine. The historic centre is
located on the former plan of the ramparts and is noted for
its medieval-style timber-framed houses, built from the forests
around the city. Following a fire in 1720 most of the timber-framed
houses in the northern part of the city were destroyed, and later
rebuilt in stone on a grid plan. The southern part of the city, the
poorest at the time, was not rebuilt and retains the timber-framed
houses. It takes around 40 mins to get to Rennes.
Château des Ducs de Bretagne
in Nantes
Nantes
A little under two hours away, Nantes is the largest city in north
west France and capital city of the Pays de la Loire region. It
was one of the major cities of the ancient Duchy of Brittany
and although officially separated from Brittany in 1789, Nantes
is culturally ‘Breton’ and still widely regarded as its capital city.
Nantes has a rich history and features prominently in the Breton
battles throughout the ages. The ‘Château des Ducs de Bretagne’
(Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) and Nantes Cathedral are well
worth visiting, as is shopping in the ‘Passage Pommeraye’.
Another great point of interest is the ‘Ile de Nantes’ (the Isle of
Nantes), which has been transformed into a cultural centre on the
site of the former shipyards. ‘Les Machines De L’Ile’ features a
mechanical ‘Great Elephant’ you can ride upon that is 12m high,
the ‘Marine World’s Carousel’ and the ‘Machine Gallery’.
Les Machines De L’Ile in Nantes
Further details are available here: www.en.nantes-tourisme.com
and: www.lesmachines-nantes.fr
Saint-Nazaire
This historic town on the Atlantic Coast has a major harbour on
the right bank of the Loire River estuary. During World War II the
Normandie dock was one of the largest in the world (servicing
Nazi Germany’s Atlantic naval fleet) and therefore of strong
strategic importance. Early in the war it was the scene of Britain’s
worst disaster in maritime history, but the huge Joubert dry-dock
was later destroyed in the ‘The St. Nazaire Raid’ and has been
the subject of books and a BBC documentary ‘The Greatest Raid
of All Time’. Saint-Nazaire is around two hours away, via Rennes.
Saint-Nazaire
Le Mans
Le Mans is the traditional capital of the province of Maine, and
just a two hour drive away. It has a well-preserved old town
complete with cobbled streets and half-timber houses, and there
are remnants that go back to Roman times. Of course it’s best
known for the ‘Circuit de la Sarthe’ racing track and the 24-hour
race that bears the city’s name.
For information on driving experiences and motorsport events at
the Le Mans circuit: www.lemans.org/en/
THINGS TO DO AROUND
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Walking Trip around Taden
1
Starting from ‘Cale de Taden’ car park, follow
the towpath northbound, about 200m.
2
Take the left footpath (inland) which rises up,
until you reach the ‘Cross of Mission of 1950’.
3
4
Take the road left towards Taden town centre
and after reaching St Pierre church, turn
right into Guerault street.
After about 200m along Guerault street, look
for the footpath ‘Chemin des Lavandieres’ on
your right that leads to the ancient laundries,
built on the ruins of an old water mill.
5
6
Upon reaching Souquet Road, turn left and
cross the D12 road (with caution). Follow
the ‘Trail of Vieil-Etang’ opposite. At the
exit of the valley, walk along a prairie to
arrive at a hollow path dating back to the
Gallo-Roman era.
Continue following the path until you reach
the road, then take the small road opposite
which leads you to a railway crossing. Cross
over and continue through to La Jossais.
Shortly before the last houses turn left onto
a rural path which leads to the D12a, then
cross over (with caution).
7
Veer towards the Valley of Dombriand where
the trail follows alongside the creek that
meanders through the wooded hillside.
8
Upon reaching the ‘Bridge of Planks’ take
the left path and after 200m (just before the
railway track) follow on the right path up to
the ‘Fountain-of-Waters’ viaduct. Turn left
under the viaduct and follow the road (with
caution) all the way down to the Rance river.
9
At the Rance, turn left and follow along the
riverside all the way back to ‘Cale de Taden’
where you started.
Details
Time and length of the route: 11km / 3hrs
Difficulty: Easy, ideal family outing
Signing: Blue
Start: Parking de la Cale Taden
GPS: 48°28’38.582” N / 2°0’24.602” W
THINGS TO DO AROUND
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MAPS OF THE REGION
Key to Activities
A Léhon & Dinan
B Taden (Walking)
C Saint Samson sur Rance (Le Maltess)
D Pleudihen sur Rance (Fête du Blé)
E La Richardais (Manoli Museum)
F Dinard (Film Festival)
2
G Saint Malo (Aquarium, Compagnie Corsaire, etc)
H Cancale (Oysters & Seafood)
I
J
1
K
3
6
L
M
N
O
1 Léhon & Dinan
5
P
4
Q
R
2 Bayeux
S
3 Rennes
T
4 Nantes
U
5 Saint-Nazaire
V
6 Le Mans
W
Mont Saint-Michel
Le Chatellier (Botanical Park of Haute Bretagne)
Bazouges La Pérouse (Gardens of La Ballue)
Dol-de-Bretagne (Adventure Sports)
Le Tronchet (Saint-Malo Golf Resort)
Combourg (Château de Combourg)
Lanhélin (Cobac Theme ParK)
Pleugueneuc (La Bourbansais Zoological Park)
Bécherel (Chateau de Caradeuc & Bookstores)
Plédéliac (Château de la Hunaudaye)
Erquy (Water Sports Centre)
Fréhel (Golf des Sables d’Or)
Plévenon (Fort La Latte)
Saint-Cast le Guildo (Golf de St.Cast Pen-Guen)
Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer (Water Sports Centre)
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COTTAGES & APARTMENTS
Val Rive, 1 Quai du Val de Rance,
22100, Léhon, Bretagne, France
UK Office
Val Rive, The Stables, Delamere House,
Great Wymondley, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 7ER, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1438 312366
[email protected]
www.french-lettings.co.uk
THINGS TO DO AROUND
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